Mother's Day Shopping

Happy Mother's Day! Today, I was treated with a kimono shopping trip in Seattle - obviously my boy's know what makes me happy, haha! Today happened to be the last day of the current Kyoto Art & Antiques sale (a warehouse sale that occurs twice a year in Seattle).

The haori selection was huge, and there were plenty of very nice vintage kimono and cheap prices, including several rare vintage black furisode.

This vintage black furisode is one I liked the most, because it had sections of grey near the shoulders. The kimono to the right is another black kimono that is kakeshita/hikizuri length. The most expensive vintage furisode I saw were around $210, wow! If I didn't spot a grey hair on my head the other day, I'd seriously consider saving up for one. People in the Seattle area, start saving up now! The next sale is in September (either Sept. 23rd or 25th, sorry I don't remember! You can sign up on their website to be notified of their upcoming sales) and many of these really nice ones will likely still be available then.

Sorry, blurry picture - Another vintage furisode. The rich purple color is so dreamy, this terrible picture doesn't do it justice.

This is the kimono that I was drooling over, a rich chirimen bingata houmongi. It was a large size, and boldly colored. Want!

There were only a few obi, this one was very fine quality.


Unfortunately, I have been very strict with my money, so no splurging for me. Here are some other things they had that caught my eye:


An ikou kimono stand.


A mikoshi.


Tall byoubu screen with sensu papers.


Massive tansu, and I mean MASSIVE. That tag said it is made of hinoki, so I am guessing this is a mizuya dansu for kitchen wares. I am not an expert, so that is just my guess.


A kyodai tansu. I remember that recently a couple of people on some Facebook groups were looking for kyodai tansu like this. The price tag was $410, which is typical for similar sized vintage kyodai tansu online.


An Ichimatsu ningyou. She is in poor shape, and I sort of wanted to rescue her! However, I'm currently working on my own Ichimatsu doll project, so I had to refrain myself.


Probably the most unique tansu I've personally seen! With decorative sliding panels and attached hanging scales. Perhaps a specific type of merchant tansu? I have no clue, I can't find a similar one in an internet search.


The biggest new stock addition I noticed this time around were boxes upon boxes of brand new kimono bolts! Most of them were wool kimono bolts, with a few tsukesage kimono bolts mixed in. This is where I picked out my Mother's Day gifts!


I picked out two komon kimono bolts of light-weight wool, and a plain white ro han'eri for summer. Most of the wool bolts were typical scratchy tartan plaids and some kasuri, but I picked these two since they were nicer komon patterns and exceptionally soft. I was honestly surprised they were wool until I read the fabric info when I unrolled the bolts.


 I typically try to avoid small patterns like the tiny flower dots, but the tsuzumi drums are just too cute! Now I just need to get the time and motivation to sew them into kimono! 

Brand New Zouri

For me, I think one of the bigger holes in my kimono collection are non-formal zouri. I have a few pairs of nice formal zouri, one pair of summer zouri, and a ton of geta of all types, but not really any zouri for less formal ensembles.

Now I found two new pairs of zouri in my local second hand shops! I kind of feel like I struck gold!





The blue pair only have minor scuffs from the surrounding knickknacks at the antique store I found them in. The hanao are really tight, and no wear on the bottoms, I don't believe either pair have been worn except perhaps indoors. The orange pair is slightly glittery, and is labeled Kinwashi-in (キンワシ印), a famous brand of zouri makers! I think I got a pretty good deal for nice quality zouri for only $10!

Finding zouri for me is a big deal! I'm sort of type of collector in this hobby, in that I rarely, if ever, buy things online. To my memory, the only kimono items I've ever bought online are my husband's and my wedding kimono sets, and a heko obi for my son. Everything else is stuff I've hunted for locally in secondhand shops or have been gifted to me, or handmade by myself. Kimono is an expensive hobby, so I am happy, and lucky, to be able to give a second life to secondhand items.

This is a good shopping season for kimono related items in secondhand shops, since Halloween is around the corner. Thrift stores and antique shops are putting out things that can be used for Halloween costumes, included cultural clothing and accessories. I have seen several yukata in the last few weeks, but have passed them up due to staining or size. I did pick up a new pair of geta, because they were also unworn condition and had cream colored hanao (red is sooo common!). I didn't think to check the size before I bought them, since any standard small size hakimono will fit me, but these turned out to be 25.5cm, and are way too big on my feet!


Large geta and zouri are difficult to find, so I was surprised. I know that not all areas have decent secondhand shops, but if you do, this may be a good time of year for going treasure hunting. Persistence is my advice, as most trips don't yield any treasures. Aside from the secondhand costume racks, yukata and kimono can sometimes be found with the bathrobes, and I've found many obi hanging with the table linens. Good luck, and happy treasure hunting!

Kyoto Art and Antiques

Also during the last week of April and first week of May was the Kyoto Art and Antiques warehouse sale! Anyone in the Seattle area should add this biannual sale to their watch list! It only happens twice a year, in Spring and Fall, and there are tons of great things to find there!

Amid the racks of kimono, most priced at $10, are several rare items like this yogi:

This is also a great place to find affordable tansu.

Sorry, blurry pic... I had my eye on this one because of its massive size. I could probably fit all of my kimono stuff in it! This one was around $3100, and I saw another nice one that was only $1400.

There was a huge stack of kimono design sheets that would look lovely as framed art. There were also bins full of obi weaving samples.

This bolt of fabric was sooo gorgeous, but I couldn't figure out what it was. At first I thought maybe an obi bolt, but it is so soft. The entire thing is very fine embroidery.

Racks of kimono. Unfortunately I did not find any kimono this time that suited me.

There were a few giant banners. These are banners that get flown on Kodomo no Hi. They striked my interest as I visited the sale the day before Kodomo no Hi!

A mikoshi shrine! This is something I never thought I would find for sale! Another strange item I saw was a giant wooden statue of a Japanese demon, as tall as the ceiling, but I was unable to get a picture of it as it was hidden behind boxes.

Here is what I got from the Kyoto Art & Antique sale:

Very shiny gold foil zouri embossed with rangiku. They look like solid gold, they are so shiny!

Shopping Finds!

I love October! This is the best time of year to find cheap secondhand wafuku in my area - in the Halloween section of thrift and secondhand stores!

I've been really good about not going on my shopping spree I crave doing this time of year. Money is tight, so I've been avoiding thrift stores like a really strike diet (lol!). But I did get some cheap finds recently:

Two nagoya obi. Both are rather bad condition, but I couldn't resist at only $3. I don't see much damage on the parts that show, I think I can still wear them. The green one is summer weave.

New yukata for my little boy (still had original tags). This one is too big for him now, so it will last him a few years.

Fish and whales, in bright colors. It is fun and whimsical. I've managed to collect a good number of yukata for baby Bryan, but I have a hard time finding casual kimono items for boys. It seems there is mostly just shichi-go-san kimono and vintage baby kimono pieces on ebay and etsy, and I am so resistant to spending lots of money on kimono. So, I guess I need to get to work sewing little boy kimono items!! I just need motivation and inspiration...!

Dark blue seems to be the theme of the latest shopping trip. I found a sha kimono in the children's halloween costume section. Confession: I've never worn summer weave kimono before. I am still trying to find summer kimono pieces on a tight budget.

Small yabane stripes in the blue check pattern, and some silver thread. It is very muted and plain, but with the right obi I can probably liven up this kimono.

Stretch Tabi and new komon

I made another pair of stretch tabi. This time I did a tutorial on how to use the stretch tabi sewing pattern to make lined stretch tabi. I posted the tutorial on the Seattle Kimono Club page, here is the link for the tutorial, I will just post some pictures of the finished tabi here.

The lighting wasn't very good, so they look sort of blue in these pictures, however the true color is a light tan-gold. The fabric is very shiny, like stretchy satin.

This picture shows the true color!

Very shiny!! I like unusual items, and I think the satin-like shine makes these unique.

I recently got a new kimono. I found it at a thrift store, so I am happy to find it in perfect condition. It is a modern washable komon (my first!). I am so used to antique kimono and yukata, so I am surprised at how large modern kimono are. The wingspan is almost too big on me, but I like that feeling when the sleeves cover my hands!

 Ochre color isn't very good for me, but the latice and pink flowers are very feminine looking, so I think I can wear it in a girly way and not look like an old lady in this color. I am envisioning this with a white or cream obi and a lace parasol.

Although, I have no idea what flower this is! I may have to ask the Immortal Geisha Forums to see if anyone knows the flower. If any of my readers know, please tell me!!

Other new crafts: My husband asked me to make a dice bag / kinchaku for him. He picked out this fabric.

 My current project is making another yukata. I have had this vintage see-through cotton fabric for a long time, and I have A LOT of it. The majority of the fabric is rose buds, and a band of roses. I'm going to call this fabric "shabby chic", it looks like something I would see used as curtains or something in a cute little cottage. I am going to make it in the style of katamigawari. Since the fabric is very sheer, I may make a light summer juban to go with it, or at least sleeves to attach to a hadajuban so that my arms aren't seen through the sleeves..

A few new things

At yesterday's kimono fashion show in my previous post, the kimono master was impressed to see some of us in the audience who were wearing kimono. She asked us to all come up towards the stage as she wanted to give us all a gift. It was unexpected, even the emcee/translator was taken aback! Yu Ugawa-sensei described each of our ensembles to the audience and complemented us. (She liked my han'eri and hairstyle <3 ) We were all given a gift of cute gauze handkerchiefs. I'm so touched, it was a surprise!

Here is the handkerchief that I received, the pattern is anesama dolls:

After socializing at the end of the kimono show, the three of us in the kimono club went to Hosekibako, the Japanese antique shop that Shannon and I went to last time we were in Seattle. Shannon had just started working there as a volunteer, and she told us about some new kimono items the shop just received! Shannon got a very nice extra-long pink iromuji that she had her eyes on.

We spent a long time in the shop browsing through every thing they had!! I found a little pair of okobo, and I was surprised to find that they fit me!! I'm so lucky to have tiny feet...!

They were so fun to walk in <3 I didn't buy them... why didn't I buy them..?!? I don't think I have a use for them. I don't do Nihon-buyo anymore, and I don't really have any plans to do maiko henshin, but at the same time they were so affordable (I don't remember how much, probably only $15 or so!) and very nice condition. I may have to make an excuse to go back to the shop..

Seriously, anyone who lives in the Seattle area, visit Hosekibako. They have so much good stuff at great prices, and the proceeds go towards programs and events held by the JCCCW.

I only had a small purchase this time, a brocade card holder for my business cards. I handed out a lot of business cards for the Seattle/Tacoma Kimono Club while we were socializing after the kimono show, and the only thing I had to hold my cards was a flimsy origami card envelope I had made.

Only 50 cents, I'm such a big spender!

As we were leaving Hosekibako, a man asked me "Are you Amanda from Kimono Life?" It made me so happy, thank you! I am so happy that I can share my experiences of kimono and visiting the various Japanese culture events in the Seattle area!

After shopping, we went to Samurai Noodle for lunch, and to trade some of our kimono items after we ate. I traded a maki'e kanzashi and a pair of zouri (that were in need of repair) for an obijime and a scrap of ro fabric.

I like this color, I think it is versatile.

I have no summer weight kimono items (except for a horribly stained ro obi I was given), so I want to try and get some more summer items. I think I can use this ro fabric to make a han'eri or obiage (or both, it is rather long)

I also bought this uchiwa recently. It is very similar to one I already have, but I figure I can never have too many uchiwa!

Kimono Shopping in Seattle

Today I went kimono shopping in Seattle with Shannon. We decided it was a good time to wear kimono! We had a good time and found some great things!

My kimono I wore for the shopping trip. It is too short for a ohashori, but still comfortable to wear.

The first store we visited was Hosekibako ( Jewelbox) Resale Shop. Hosekibako is a shop that is run by the Japanese Culture and Community Center of Washington. The items are donated to the store, and the proceeds support the JCCCW's programs and operations which benefit the community. There are many beautiful items that can be found at Hosekibako, including many kimono and kimono accessories. I was very much tempted to buy a gold tsuke obi and several obijime. I will definitely be back! Please check out Hosekibako, they are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays only, I've included their link above with address information. While you are there, please check out the rest of the Japanese Culture and Community Center. They hold many fun events through out the year.

You can also follow them on Facebook

Hagoita

Hosekibako's kimono rack

Happy shoppers

Is it kamidana?? I do not know for sure, it is very ornate!
(edit: thank you anonymous commenter for letting me know this is a house for hina dolls. I had never seen a house like this for a hina matsuri display.)

Hina dolls

We found many accessories: geta, obi ita, many obijime, some obi, susoyoke, and koshihimo. The one thing we could not find is obiage.

The next place we went to is Kyoto Art & Antiques. It is a warehouse sale that is only open for a few days, twice a year! Internet reviews of this warehouse sale describe Kyoto Art & Antiques as being a secret gem of an event for interior designers looking to purchase unique Japanese furniture and decor at extraordinarily cheap prices. This is true, but it also became clear that the kimono section attracted the most action, with women digging through racks of kimono and bins of fabric looking for something to cut up and use for quilt making and other crafts. There is good reason for all the frantic action at the kimono section, because most of the kimono were only $10!

Kyoto Art & Antiques is located in a very, very old warehouse.

As you are walking in you are greeted by this very large wooden elephant. I wonder what the story is with this elephant, hmn. Oh no! We should have taken our pictures next to this! Maybe next time..

The kimono racks. Most of the kimono were $10, mostly iromuji and komon. Houmongi were around $20-40, and furisode were $100-240. There was also a boy's kimono set for shichi-go-san from the Edo period. I don't remember the cost, but it was very popular with the customers despite it's simple designs.

Several of the women asked us questions about kimono, since we were dressed up. We answered some questions, and convinced a pair of women that a long michiyuki would look lovely as a dress - they were in love with the idea. As we were leaving I noticed several more of the women that were shopping had started trying on the kimono and attempting to coordinate an outfit using the few obi that were available!

Obi and fabric bolts

We found another wooden elephant! Just a head this time. I seriously wonder about the elephants... Perhaps it is because I didn't have any coffee this morning, but the elephants were such an oddity to me.

I am in love with this tansu. It is so big!! I wish it would fit into my tiny apartment, and my tiny budget. The pattern in the wood is so lovely!

And the top shelves inside are wonderful.

At the warehouse sale, we ran into Mrs. Akemi Sagawa, who we first met at Kimono de Jack. She recognized us immediately, and we chatted just a little bit before continuing our shopping. She directed us to this tansu as being perfect for our kimono. If only I had saved up more money than I did..

Home after a long day of shopping!

I had a very small budget (I emptied out my coin jar), but I did manage to get two lovely kimono for $50.

Burgundy colored komon. I was told that this is a good color on me, so I am glad to have another. My husband really likes this one.

The fabric is very soft, almost satin-like.

Of course I couldn't wait to try it on, even if I don't have an obi for it yet.

Even though I am almost 30 years old, I couldn't resist this furisode for only $40!

Now I just need to find a nice obi for this furisode. I don't think I have anything that would work. I'm almost tempted to wear it for my 30th birthday (30 is a big milestone, why not be flashy!!), but it is in August and I think I would overheat. I hope to convince my niece to wear it someday.